The Spyderco Tenacious is one of the most popular lines in Spyderco’s entire catalog. This Spyderco pocket knife is a near-universal customer favorite, along with other highlights like the Spyderco Paramilitary and the equally venerable Delica.

In this review, we’re going to take a closer look at the Spyderco Tenacious in black G10, with a black finish and a straight edge blade.

Let’s cut to it.

Specs and Materials

The Spyderco Tenacious is available in a number of different colors and configurations. The model we’re going to look at offers users the following: 

• A 3 ⅜ inch black coated 8Cr13MoV stainless steel drop point blade (⅛” inch thick) with a full flat grind
• Black G10 handles
• 4 7/16 inches closed
• 7 ¾ inches overall
• 4 ounces.

This particular Spyderco pocket knife also features a classic high humpbacked design. Along the sharply defined thumb ramp there is aggressive jimping which affords an excellent grip. 

This, in conjunction with the texture G10 scales is sure to provide great traction, even if your hands are cold or even wet.

Blade deployment is accomplished via the Spyderhole, which is a common substitute on Spyderco knives, in place of thumb studs. It’s a tight system; the blade opens and closes fluidly and lockup is strong.

Somewhat unique among Spyderco knives is the liner lock of the Delica. It locks up solidly and the liner is well recessed into the design, so it would be difficult to accidentally disengage this lock. For a liner lock, it’s strong and sure. 

Ergonomics and Indexing

This Spyderco Tenacious is comfortable in the hand or clipped to a pocket, before you even deploy it. Most of its edges are rounded, so the handle fits nicely in the hand without forming hot spots, either opened or closed.

Opened, the ergonomics and indexing are as good if not better. Some knives just sit nicely in the group. It’s easy to get a grip on this knife and it just “turns itself around” in your grip until it’s sitting properly.

Opened, the blade indexes wonderfully and it is comfortable to hold, in standard, reverse and, thanks to the thumb tamp and jimping, especially in the saber grip. You can get a knife pinch grip on it, too, for slicing and other detail work.

All in all, it’s a comfortable knife to use and carry. 

Carry

There are many ways to carry this Spyderco pocket knife comfortably, thanks to its four-way reversible pocket clip. You can situate the pocket clip on either the right or left side of the knife - a boon for lefties, who will also enjoy the fact that the spyderholes enable easy opening regardless of dominant hand.

Whether you prefer tip up or tip down carry, this Spyderco Tenacious will suit you well. It can also be carried free-floating in a pocket and rides comfortably and unobtrusively, despite the fairly hefty weight. There’s enough weight here to make the knife feel substantial - but it doesn’t weigh it down. 

Where This Spyderco Pocket Knife Excels

Need a beater pocket knife at a price point that won’t offend? This is the knife for you. It’s one of the most affordable Spyderco pocket knives in their entire lineup, and the use of affordable (albeit durable) materials and simple construction are bonuses that most fans can’t get enough of.

The basic design and simple lock, paired with the corrosion resistant blade and bombproof G10 handles make for an EDC knife that just won’t flinch, even under adverse conditions. Rain or shine, ice, snow, dust and sand will all roll right off this knife’s figurative back.

The corrosion resistant steel coupled with the G10 handles makes for an EDC knife that doesn’t call for a lot of maintenance, either. Throw it in a toolbox, a glove box or a tackle box (or just in your jacket pocket) and hit the road.

This little knife can do it all - food prep, breaking down packaging, carving and whittling, fine detail work, and more. Just don’t baton with it or use the tip as a pry bar and you’ll have this knife for a long time.

Spyderco Pocket Knife: Other Options?

Not sold on the Spyderco Tenacious - or this specific model? Keep in mind that you can get the Tenacious with both G10 and carbon fiber handle scales in a number of different colors, and that it comes in a partially serrated version as well. (See left)

If you’re looking for a different Spyderco knife, may we suggest as an alternative the:

• Spyderco Delica
• Spyderco Paramilitary 2
• Spyderco Dragonfly 2
• Spyderco Manix
• Spyderco ChaparralSpyderco Native 5

These knives exhibit fair variability in size and form, so if you’re a Spyderco fan but the Tenacious doesn’t quite cut it for you, then check out some of these.

Need a Different Spyderco Pocket Knife?

If you have any questions about the Tenacious or you’d like to learn more about any of the Spyderco products mentioned above, get in touch with us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com. We’d be happy to assist.